Modification of turf tv participant decorations based on multiple real-time factors

ABSTRACT

A method, system and compute program product for modifying sporting event participant decorations displayed on a fiber optic “Turf TV” playing surface. A utility calculates a direction of movement of a player or object in proximity to the playing surface, which is configured to display images, during a live sporting event. The utility adds a graphical aura to a real-time graphical image displayed in proximity to the player on the playing surface. The utility animates the aura in response to wind and/or noise in proximity to the playing surface. The utility modifies the aura based on pre-defined custom attributes, penalties, errors, and/or player status. If the player moves, the utility adds a graphical player trail to the image. The utility also adds a graphical object trail that includes previous locations of an object. The object trail may also include spin and a visual appearance corresponding to an object height.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/952,681, which was filed on Dec. 7, 2007,which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention. The presentapplication claims priority benefits to U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/952,681.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates in general to display systems and inparticular to fiber optic display systems included in a playing surfaceof a sporting event.

Real life sporting events typically include numerous players andofficials interacting according to the rules of a game. It can bedifficult for viewers to identify particular players and/or to discernwhich players are currently interacting. A viewer who is unfamiliar witha game may lose interest if the viewer is unable to identify particularplayers and/or follow the action on the field. Furthermore, games (e.g.,football) may include many rules that may not be immediately apparent toa viewer who is unfamiliar with all of the rules of the game.

SUMMARY

Disclosed are a method, system, and computer program product formodifying sporting event participant decorations displayed on a fiberoptic “Turf TV” playing surface based on multiple real-time factors. Adata processing system includes a decoration utility which detects a tagor signal transmitting device attached to a player or object inproximity to a playing surface during a live sporting event. Thedecoration utility calculates a direction of movement of the player orobject in proximity to a playing surface during a live sporting event.The playing surface includes multiple optical fibers configured todisplay one or more images. The decoration utility adds a generallycircular graphical aura to a real-time image displayed on the playingsurface in proximity to the player during the sporting event. Thedecoration utility animates the aura in response to wind and/or noise inproximity to the playing surface. The decoration utility modifies theaura to correspond to pre-defined custom attributes, penalties, errors,and/or the status of the player. If the player moves, the decorationutility adds a graphical player trail to the image displayed on theplaying surface during the sporting event. The decoration utility alsoadds a graphical object trail to the image displayed on the playingsurface during the sporting event that includes previous locations of anobject. The object trail may also include spin and a visual appearanceconfigurable in relation to a height of the object.

The above as well as additional features of the present invention willbecome apparent in the following detailed written description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention itself will best be understood by reference to thefollowing detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when readin conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a high level block diagram of an exemplary dataprocessing system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2A illustrates a first view of a live sporting event, according toan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2B illustrates a second view of the live sporting event of FIG. 2A,according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 3 is a high level logical flowchart of an exemplary method ofmodifying sporting event participant decorations displayed on a fiberoptic “Turf TV” playing surface based on multiple real-time factors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a method, system, and computer programproduct for modifying live sporting event participant decorationsdisplayed on a fiber optic “Turf TV” playing surface based on multiplereal-time factors. As utilized herein, “Turf TV” refers to a playingsurface (e.g., a football field) that includes multiple optical fibersblended with artificial (e.g., polyethylene) grass. A data processingsystem, such as data processing system 100, connected to a Turf TV fieldmay display one or more colored images on the Turf TV field using theoptical fibers.

With reference now to FIG. 1, there is depicted a block diagram of anexemplary data processing system 100, with which the present inventionmay be utilized. Data processing system 100 includes processor unit 104that is coupled to system bus 106. Video adapter 108, whichdrives/supports display 110, is also coupled to system bus 106. Systembus 106 is coupled via bus bridge 112 to Input/Output (I/O) bus 114. I/Ointerface 116 is coupled to I/O bus 114. I/O interface 116 affordscommunication with various I/O devices, including one or more RadioFrequency Identification (RFID) readers 117, keyboard 118, mouse 120,camera 122, and decibel meter 126. The format of the ports connected toI/O interface 116 may be any known to those skilled in the art ofcomputer architecture, including but not limited to Universal Serial Bus(USB) ports. RFID readers 117 may detect one or more RFID tags attachedto one or more players (e.g., in a shoe or helmet), and/or objects(e.g., in a ball or hockey puck) in proximity to a playing surface. RFIDreaders 117 may be positioned in proximity to a playing surface (e.g.,beneath the grass of a “Turf TV” football field), as illustrated inFIGS. 2A-2B, which are described below. Camera 122 may be a digitalcamera, high definition camera, or the like. In one embodiment, multiplecameras may be connected to data processing system 100.

Data processing system 100 is able to communicate with server 150 vianetwork 128 using network interface 130, which is coupled to system bus106. Network 128 may be an external network such as the Internet, or aninternal network such as a Local Area Network (LAN), an Ethernet, or aVirtual Private Network (VPN). In one embodiment, server 150 isconfigured similarly to data processing system 100. Server 150 mayinclude database 152, which includes real-time game statistics dataand/or pre-defined player decoration attributes. Database 152 isaccessible to data processing system 100 via network 128. In anotherembodiment, real-time game statistics data may be included in systemmemory 136 or other local storage of data processing system 100.

Hard drive interface 132 is also coupled to system bus 106. Hard driveinterface 132 interfaces with hard drive 134. In one embodiment, harddrive 134 populates system memory 136, which is also coupled to systembus 106. System memory 136 is defined as a lowest level of volatilememory in data processing system 100. This volatile memory may includeadditional higher levels of volatile memory (not shown), including, butnot limited to, cache memory, registers, and buffers. Data thatpopulates system memory 136 includes Operating System (OS) 138 andapplication programs 144.

OS 138 includes shell 140, for providing transparent user access toresources such as application programs 144. Generally, shell 140 (as itis called in UNIX®) is a program that provides an interpreter and aninterface between the user and the operating system. Shell 140 providesa system prompt, interprets commands entered by keyboard 118, mouse 120,or other user input media, and sends the interpreted command(s) to theappropriate lower levels of the operating system (e.g., kernel 142) forprocessing. As depicted, OS 138 also includes graphical user interface(GUI) 143 and kernel 142, which includes lower levels of functionalityfor OS 138. Kernel 142 provides essential services required by otherparts of OS 138 and application programs 144. The services provided bykernel 142 include memory management, process and task management, diskmanagement, and I/O device management.

Application programs 144 include browser 146 and decoration utility 148.Browser 146 includes program modules and instructions enabling a WorldWide Web (WWW) client (i.e., data processing system 100) to send andreceive network messages to the Internet. Data processing system 100 mayutilize HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP) messaging to enablecommunication with server 150. According to the illustrative embodiment,decoration utility 148 performs the functions illustrated in FIG. 3,which is described below. In an alternate embodiment, decoration utility148 may be stored in an external location, such as server 150.

Within the descriptions of the figures, similar elements are providedsimilar names and reference numerals as those of the previous figure(s).Where a later figure utilizes the element in a different context or withdifferent functionality, the element is provided a different leadingnumeral representative of the figure number (e.g., 1 xx for FIGS. 1 and2 xx for FIG. 2). The specific numerals assigned to the elements areprovided solely to aid in the description and not meant to imply anylimitations (structural or functional) on the invention.

With reference now to FIG. 2A, there is depicted a first view of a livesporting event displayed on a fiber optic Turf TV playing surface,according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, thesporting event occurs on and/or in proximity to playing surface 200. Asutilized herein, playing surface 200 may refer to a football field,soccer field, ice hockey rink, basketball court, baseball diamond, rugbypitch, lacrosse field, bowling alley, Olympic stadium, or the like whichincludes a fiber optic Turf TV display system. Multiple RFID readers117A through 117M (FIG. 1) are placed in different locations inproximity to playing surface 200. For example, RFID readers 117A-117Mmay be beneath the turf of a football field, soccer field, or rugbypitch. Similarly, RFID readers 117A-117M may be attached to one or morefixtures in proximity to playing surface 200 (e.g., goal posts,basketball backboards, scoreboards, and/or sideline markers).

According to the illustrative embodiment, RFID readers 117A-117M areconnected to data processing system 100 (FIG. 1), which is located inproximity to playing surface 200 (e.g., by cables beneath playingsurface 200). In another embodiment, RFID readers 117A-117M maycommunicate with data processing system 100 wirelessly (e.g., vianetwork 128 of FIG. 1). As shown, decibel meter 126 and camera 122(FIG. 1) are also connected to data processing system 100 and located inproximity to playing surface 200. Camera 122 may detect the location ofone or more players and/or objects in relation to playing surface 200.Decibel meter 126 may measure a sound level (e.g., crowd noise) on ornear playing surface 200 or near a player/object.

In one embodiment, multiple players 205A through 205N are playing a gamewith object 220. As utilized herein, object 220 may refer to a football,soccer ball, rugby ball, ice hockey puck, basketball, baseball, lacrosseball, bowling ball, relay baton, or the like. Different types of signaltransmitting devices may be attached to a players 205A-205N and/orobject 220. The signal transmitting devices may include RRID tags, radiofrequency (RF) transmitters (e.g., Bluetooth® transmitters), GlobalPositioning System (GPS) devices (e.g., transceivers), and otherwireless devices. For example, RFID tags 210A through 210N are attachedto equipment (including clothing) worn by players 205A-205N,respectively. For example, RFID tags 210A-210N may be included in shoes,jerseys, pants, pads, helmets, or other gear worn by players 205A-205Nduring a live sporting event. Similarly, object 220 includes RFID tag222 (e.g., inside a ball). One or more of RFID readers 117A-117M maydetect one or more of RFID tags 210A-210N and/or RFID tag 222 using RFenergy, thereby enabling decoration utility 148 (FIG. 1) in dataprocessing system 100 to calculate the positions, speeds, and/ordirections of movement of players 205A-205N (e.g., via triangulation)and/or object 222 with respect to playing surface 200.

In another embodiment, decoration utility 148 may use camera 122 inaddition to RFID readers 117A-117M or instead of RFID readers 117A-117Mto calculate the positions, speeds, and/or directions of movement ofplayers 205A-205N and/or object 222 (e.g., using orthogonal views andimage recognition software). In one embodiment, decoration utility 148may identify one or more players by detecting signals from GPS devicesattached to equipment (including clothing) worn by players 205A-205N.For example, GPS device 207F may be attached to equipment worn by player205F. Similarly, decoration utility 148 may identify one or more playersby detecting signals transmitted from RF transmitters, such asBluetooth® transmitters, attached to equipment (including clothing) wornby players 205A-205N. For example, Bluetooth® device 208G may beattached to equipment worn by player 205G.

According to the illustrative embodiment, real-time images displayed onplaying surface 200 during a live sporting event may include one or moreauras, such as aura 215, and/or one or more trails, such as object trail225. As utilized herein, an aura refers to a generally circulargraphical colored design that is added to a real-time (i.e., “live”)graphical image displayed on playing surface 200 during a live sportingevent. An aura surrounds a current location of a player equipped with aRFID tag. One or more auras corresponding to different RFID tags (i.e.,different players) may be displayed on playing surface 200 during a livesporting event. An aura may include a pre-defined design stored withindatabase 152 (FIG. 1). A pre-defined aura design may include one or morecolors, letters, numbers, and/or shapes that are customized tocorrespond to attributes of a player (e.g., jersey numbers and/or playerinitials) and/or team (e.g., team colors or mascot-related symbols). Anaura may also be selectively animated based on one or more currentenvironmental factors in proximity to playing surface 200. For example,an aura may flap or ruffle in a direction corresponding to a windblowing in proximity to playing surface 200. Decoration utility 148 mayreceive weather (i.e., wind) updates from a weather monitoring stationand/or website connected to network 128. Similarly, an aura may shake orbecome fuzzy (i.e., include rough animated edges) if decibel meter 126detects crowd noise above a pre-defined threshold level. Decorationutility 148 may also animate an aura based on rain, snow, humidity,and/or temperature in proximity to playing surface 200. A method ofdisplaying an aura, such as aura 215, is illustrated in FIG. 3, which isdescribed below.

As utilized herein, an object trail refers to a graphical representationof the previous locations of a moving object, such as object 220, addedto an image displayed on playing surface 200 during a live sportingevent. An object trail may include one or more colored lines and/orshapes, such as object trail 225. In another embodiment, an object trailmay include multiple shapes having dimensions and/or colors thatcorrespond to the height of object 220 with respect to playing surface200, such as object trail 230. Object trail 230 includes multiple shapesin proximity to playing surface 200. The shapes included in object trail230 have dimensions that decrease in size as the height of object 220increases and increase in size as the height of object 220 decreases(i.e., a graphical depiction of a shadow). Object trail 225 may also beshaped and/or animated to represent the spin and/or trajectory of object222. A method of displaying an object trail, such as object trails 225and 230, is illustrated in FIG. 3, which is described below.

With reference now to FIG. 2B, there is depicted a second view of thelive sporting event of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As shown, customized aura 240 surrounds player 205Eon playing surface 200, and customized aura 240 includes multiple shapesand colors based on pre-defined attributes corresponding to RFID tag210E (i.e., player 205E). Pre-defined attributes corresponding to one ormore RFID tags (i.e., one or more players) may be stored in database 152on server 150 (FIG. 1) and/or locally within system memory 136.

According to the illustrative embodiment, decoration utility 148(FIG. 1) may add a player trail, such as player trail 235, to areal-time graphical image displayed on playing surface 200 during a livesporting event when a player, such as player 205E, moves while handlingobject 220. As utilized herein, a player trail refers to a graphicalrepresentation of the previous locations of a moving player that isdisplayed on playing surface 200. A player trail may include a coloredline, design, and/or multiple shapes customized to correspond to one ormore attributes of a particular player, team, and/or live sporting eventsponsor. For example, player trail 235 may include a set of tire tracksif a particular player's nickname corresponds to a bus, truck, or car.Similarly, a player trail may include one or more “footprint” designs(e.g., animal footprints if a player's nickname corresponds to ananimal). A player trail may also include one or more designs thatcorrespond to a sponsor of a live sporting event and/or a particularplayer. For example, a player's trail may include company icons thatcorrespond to a shoe manufacturer endorsed by the player and/or atelevision company providing a broadcast of the live sporting event.

In one embodiment, decoration utility 148 may change one or moreattributes of an aura based on the action of a live sporting eventand/or the rules of a game. For example, aura 215 may change from afirst color (e.g., green), as shown in FIG. 2A, to a second color (e.g.,red), as shown in FIG. 2B, when player 205A is no longer handling object220 (i.e., when it is no longer legal to interact with or “hit” player205A). Similarly, database 152 may include real-time electronicstatistics data. Decoration utility 148 may change one or moreattributes of a player's aura if the player's current performancestatistics exceed one or more pre-defined average performance statistics(i.e., if a player is “hot”). In one embodiment, decoration utility 148may change one or more attributes of an aura if the player correspondingto the aura commits a foul (e.g., the aura may become red or may flash).Similarly, decoration utility 148 may place a distinctly colored and/orflashing aura in proximity to an official if the official calls a foul(e.g., if a referee throws a flag and/or blows a whistle). A method ofchanging a player's aura is illustrated in FIG. 3, which is describedbelow.

Turning now to FIG. 3, there is illustrated a high level logicalflowchart of an exemplary method of modifying live sporting eventparticipant decorations displayed on a fiber optic Turf TV playingsurface based on multiple real-time factors, according to an embodimentof the invention. The process begins at block 300 in response to one ormore of RFID readers 117A-117M (FIGS. 2A-2B) detecting one or more ofRFID tags 210A-210N (FIGS. 2A-2B) and/or RFID tag 222 (FIGS. 2A-2B).Decoration utility 148 (FIG. 1) uses data from one or more of RFIDreaders 117A-117M to calculate the location (e.g., via triangulation)and interpolate the direction of movement and/or speed of one or more ofRFID tags 210A-210N, as depicted in block 305.

At block 310, decoration utility 148 determines whether or not adetected RFID tag corresponds to a player or an official. If thedetected RFID tag does not correspond to a player or official (i.e., thedetected RFID tag corresponds to an object), the process proceeds toblock 360. If the detected RFID tag corresponds to a player or official(i.e., a person rather than an object), decoration utility 148 adds anaura to a real-time image displayed on playing surface 200 (FIGS. 2A-2B)during a live sporting event, such as aura 215 (FIG. 2A), as shown inblock 315.

At block 320, decoration utility 148 determines whether or not thedetected RFID tag includes a value that identifies pre-definedcustomized decoration data stored in database 152 (FIG. 1). If thedetected RFID tag does not include a value that identifies pre-definedcustomized decoration data, the process proceeds to block 330. If thedetected RFID tag includes a value that identifies pre-definedcustomized decoration data (e.g., a personalized aura for a player),decoration utility 148 updates the real-time image displayed on playingsurface 200 during the sporting event to include the pre-defined customaura, as depicted in block 325. At block 330, decoration utility 148 mayanimate one or more displayed auras based on a wind direction and/or anoise level in proximity to playing surface 200. Decoration utility 148may receive data including a wind direction from a weather monitoringwebsite and/or device connected to network 128 or data processing system100. Decoration utility 148 may receive data including a noise level(i.e., crowd noise) from decibel meter 126 (FIGS. 2A-2B).

At block 335, decoration utility 148 determines whether or not a penaltyhas occurred in the live sporting event, a player has committed anerror, and/or a player's status has changed (i.e., other players may nolonger interact with or “hit” the player). In one embodiment, decorationutility 148 may receive input from a wireless device carried by anofficial that the official triggers in response to a penalty. Decorationutility 148 may receive input from sporting event crew members (i.e.,“booth” personnel) if a penalty occurs and/or if a player commits anerror. Decoration utility 148 may receive data corresponding to one ormore game rules from database 152 and determine if a player's status haschanged based on the detected location of the player in relation toobject 220 (FIGS. 2A-2B), other players, and/or playing surface 200(e.g., if the player goes out of bounds). In another embodiment,decoration utility 148 may receive input from camera 122 (FIGS. 2A-2B)and use image recognition software to determine whether a penalty hasoccurred (e.g., via recognition of referee hand signals).

Returning again to FIG. 3, if a player corresponding to a detected RFIDtag has not committed a penalty, has not committed an error, and/or isstill eligible to interact with other players, the process proceeds toblock 345. If a player corresponding to a detected RFID tag commits apenalty, commits an error, and/or is no longer eligible to interact withother players, decoration utility 148 changes one or more colors and/ordesigns of the aura corresponding to the player, as depicted in block340. For example, if a player commits a penalty or error, decorationutility 148 may change the color of the player's aura to red and/orflash the aura displayed on playing surface 200.

At block 345, decoration utility 148 determines whether or not thecurrent performance of a player corresponding to a detected RFID tagexceeds one or more pre-defined average statistical performance levelsstored in database 152. If a player is not exceeding one or morepre-defined average statistical performance levels, the process proceedsto block 355. If a player exceeds one or more pre-defined averagestatistical performance levels stored in database 152 (e.g., if a playeris catching more passes than usual), decoration utility 148 may changethe shape and/or design of the aura corresponding to the player to a“hot” aura (e.g., an animated aura having a design resembling fire), asdepicted in block 350.

Decoration utility 148 may display a player trail, such as player trail235 (FIG. 2B), on playing surface 200 if a player corresponding to adetected RFID tag is moving while handling object 220, as shown in block355, and the process subsequently terminates at block 380. Player trail235 may include one or more pre-defined attributes (e.g., colors,designs, and/or shapes) corresponding to a particular player and/orsponsor.

At block 360, decoration utility 148 adds an object trail to thereal-time image displayed on playing surface 200 during the livesporting event, such that the object trail marks the previous locationsof RFID tag 222 (i.e., object 220) with respect to playing surface 200.At block 365, decoration utility determines whether or not object 220 isspinning by comparing input from multiple RFID readers and/or camera122. If object 220 is not spinning, the process proceeds to block 375.If object 220 is spinning, decoration utility 148 may modify objecttrail 225 (FIG. 2A) to include a design and/or animation that depictsthe spin (e.g., an animated spiral-shaped design), as shown in block370. Decoration utility 148 may change the color and/or dimensions ofobject trail 225 and/or object trail 230 (FIG. 2A) to correspond to theheight and/or speed of object 220, as depicted in block 375. Decorationutility 148 may calculate the height of object 220 using input frommultiple RFID readers and/or camera 122, and the process terminates atblock 380.

The present invention thus provides a method of modifying live sportingevent participant decorations displayed on a fiber optic Turf TV playingsurface based on multiple real-time factors. Data processing system 100(FIG. 1) includes decoration utility 148 (FIG. 1) which detects a tag orsignal transmitting device attached to a player or object in proximityto playing surface 200 (FIGS. 2A-2B) during a live sporting event. Thedecoration utility calculates a direction of movement of the player orobject in proximity to playing surface 200 during the live sportingevent. Decoration utility 148 adds a graphical aura to a real-time imagedisplayed in proximity to the player on playing surface 200 during thesporting event. Decoration utility 148 animates the aura in response towind and/or noise in proximity to playing surface 200. Decorationutility 148 modifies the aura to correspond to pre-defined customattributes, penalties, errors, and/or the status of the player. If theplayer moves, decoration utility 148 adds a graphical player trail tothe image displayed on playing surface 200. Decoration utility 148 alsoadds a graphical object trail to the image displayed on playing surface200 that includes previous locations of object 220 (FIGS. 2A-2B). Theobject trail may also include spin and a visual appearance configurablein relation to a height of object 220.

In the flow chart (FIG. 3) above, one or more of the methods areembodied as a computer program product in a computer readable medium orcontaining computer readable code such that a series of steps areperformed when the computer readable code is executed on a computingdevice. In some implementations, certain steps of the methods arecombined, performed simultaneously or in a different order, or perhapsomitted, without deviating from the spirit and scope of the invention.Thus, while the method steps are described and illustrated in aparticular sequence, use of a specific sequence of steps is not meant toimply any limitations on the invention. Changes may be made with regardsto the sequence of steps without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe present invention. Use of a particular sequence is therefore, not tobe taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention isdefined only by the appended claims.

As will be further appreciated, the processes in embodiments of thepresent invention may be implemented using any combination of software,firmware or hardware. As a preparatory step to practicing the inventionin software, the programming code (whether software or firmware) willtypically be stored in one or more machine readable storage mediums suchas fixed (hard) drives, diskettes, optical disks, magnetic tape,semiconductor memories such as ROMs, PROMs, etc., thereby making anarticle of manufacture (or computer program product) in accordance withthe invention. The article of manufacture containing the programmingcode is used by either executing the code directly from the storagedevice, by copying the code from the storage device into another storagedevice such as a hard disk, RAM, etc., or by transmitting the code forremote execution using transmission type media such as digital andanalog communication links The methods of the invention may be practicedby combining one or more machine-readable storage devices containing thecode according to the present invention with appropriate processinghardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus forpracticing the invention could be one or more processing devices andstorage systems containing or having network access to program(s) codedin accordance with the invention.

Thus, it is important that while an illustrative embodiment of thepresent invention is described in the context of a fully functional dataprocessing system with installed (or executed) software, those skilledin the art will appreciate that the software aspects of an illustrativeembodiment of the present invention are capable of being distributed asa computer program product in a variety of forms, and that anillustrative embodiment of the present invention applies equallyregardless of the particular type of media used to actually carry outthe distribution. By way of example, a non exclusive list of types ofmedia, includes recordable type (tangible) media such as floppy disks,thumb drives, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, and transmission typemedia such as digital and analogue communication links.

While the invention has been described with reference to exemplaryembodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art thatvarious changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted forelements thereof without departing from the scope of the invention. Inaddition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system,device or component thereof to the teachings of the invention withoutdeparting from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentsdisclosed for carrying out this invention, but that the invention willinclude all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote anyorder or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are usedto distinguish one element from another.

1. A method for modifying sporting event participant decorations, themethod comprising: identifying a player in proximity to a playingsurface during a sporting event, wherein said playing surface includes aplurality of optical fibers configured to display one or more images;and adding a graphical aura in proximity to said player to a real-timegraphical image displayed on said playing surface during said sportingevent.
 2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said identifying ofsaid player further comprises at least one of: detecting a signal from aradio frequency identification (RFID) tag in proximity to said playingsurface during said sporting event, wherein said RFID tag is attached toequipment used by said player; detecting a location of a globalpositioning system (GPS) transmitter in proximity to said playingsurface during said sporting event, wherein said GPS transmitter isattached to equipment used by said player; detecting a signal from aradio frequency (RF) device in proximity to said playing surface duringsaid sporting event, wherein said RF device is attached to equipmentused by said player, and wherein said RF device comprises a Bluetoothtransmitter; and detecting a shape of said player in a live video imageof said sporting event.
 3. The method as recited in claim 1 furthercomprising: calculating a direction of movement of said player; andadding a graphical player trail to said real-time graphical imagedisplayed on said playing surface during said sporting event in responseto said player moving with respect to said playing surface, wherein saidgraphical player trail comprises a graphical indication of at least oneprevious location of said player and a current location of said player.4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein said adding of saidgraphical aura further comprises at least one of: modifying said aura toinclude one or more pre-defined custom attributes in response to adetermination that said player corresponds to said one or morepre-defined custom attributes; changing a visual appearance of said aurain response to said player committing a penalty; changing said visualappearance of said aura in response to one or more opposing players nolonger being eligible to interact with said player; and changing saidvisual appearance of said aura in response to one or more real-timestatistical performance levels of said player exceeding one or morepre-defined performance levels.
 5. The method as recited in claim 1,wherein said adding of said graphical aura further comprises animatingsaid graphical aura in response to a speed of wind detected in proximityto said playing surface.
 6. The method as recited in claim 1, whereinsaid adding of said graphical aura further comprises animating said aurain response to a level of noise detected in proximity to said playingsurface.
 7. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising:identifying an object included in said sporting event; and adding agraphical object trail to said real-time graphical image displayed onsaid playing surface during said sporting event, wherein said graphicalobject trail comprises a graphical indication of at least one previouslocation of said object and a current location of said object.
 8. Themethod as recited in claim 7, wherein said adding of said graphicalobject trail further comprises at least one of: modifying said graphicalobject trail to depict a spin of the object in response to a movement ofsaid object including said spin; and changing a visual appearance ofsaid graphical object trail to correspond to a height of said objectwith respect to said playing surface in response to a movement of saidobject in a vertical direction relative to said playing surface.
 9. Asystem, comprising: a processor; a system memory coupled to saidprocessor; a playing surface having a plurality of optical fibersconfigured to display one or more images; one or more detecting devicesin proximity to the playing surface, and used for detecting wirelesssignals and environmental conditions; and an application program withinsaid system memory that provides the functions of: identifying a playerin proximity to said playing surface during a sporting event; and addinga graphical aura in proximity to said player to a real-time graphicalimage displayed on said playing surface during said sporting event. 10.The system as recited in claim 9, wherein said one or more detectingdevices comprise a camera, a noise monitor, a Bluetooth receiver, aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver, and a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) transceiver, and wherein identifying said playerfurther comprises means for at least one of: detecting a signal from aRFID tag in proximity to said playing surface during said sportingevent, wherein said RFID tag is attached to equipment used by saidplayer; detecting a location of a GPS transmitter in proximity to saidplaying surface during said sporting event, wherein said GPS transmitteris attached to equipment used by said player; detecting a signal from aradio frequency (RF) device in proximity to said playing surface duringsaid sporting event, wherein said RF device is attached to equipmentused by said player, and wherein said RF device comprises a Bluetoothtransmitter; and detecting a shape of said player in a live video imageof said sporting event.
 11. The system as recited in claim 9 furthercomprising means for: calculating a direction of movement of saidplayer; and adding a graphical player trail to said real-time graphicalimage displayed on said playing surface during said sporting event inresponse to said player moving with respect to said playing surface,wherein said graphical player trail comprises a graphical indication ofat least one previous location of said player and a current location ofsaid player.
 12. The system as recited in claim 9, wherein said addingof said graphical aura further comprises means for at least one of:modifying said aura to include one or more pre-defined custom attributesin response to a determination that said player corresponds to said oneor more pre-defined custom attributes; changing a visual appearance ofsaid aura in response to said player committing a penalty; changing saidvisual appearance of said aura in response to one or more opposingplayers no longer being eligible to interact with said player; andchanging said visual appearance of said aura in response to one or morereal-time statistical performance levels of said player exceeding one ormore pre-defined performance levels.
 13. The system as recited in claim9, wherein said adding of said graphical aura further comprises meansfor animating said graphical aura in response to a speed of winddetected in proximity to said playing surface.
 14. The system as recitedin claim 9 further comprising: a decibel meter that provides means foranimating said aura in response to a level of noise detected inproximity to said playing surface.
 15. The system as recited in claim 9further comprising means for: identifying an object included in saidsporting event; and adding a graphical object trail to said real-timegraphical image displayed on said playing surface during said sportingevent, wherein said graphical object trail comprises a graphicalindication of at least one previous location of said object and acurrent location of said object.
 16. A computer program productcomprising: a computer storage medium; and program code on said computerstorage medium that that when executed provides the functions of:identifying a player in proximity to a playing surface during a sportingevent, wherein said playing surface includes a plurality of opticalfibers configured to display one or more images; calculating a directionof movement of said player; and adding a graphical aura in proximity tosaid player to a real-time graphical image displayed on said playingsurface during said sporting event, wherein said aura comprises agenerally circular colored graphical image.
 17. The computer programproduct as recited in claim 16 further comprising code for: detecting asignal from a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag in proximity tosaid playing surface during said sporting event, wherein said RFID tagis attached to equipment used by said player; detecting a location of aglobal positioning system (GPS) transmitter in proximity to said playingsurface during said sporting event, wherein said GPS transmitter isattached to equipment used by said player; detecting a signal from aradio frequency (RF) device in proximity to said playing surface duringsaid sporting event, wherein said RF device is attached to equipmentused by said player, and wherein said RF device comprises a Bluetoothtransmitter; and detecting a shape of said player in a live video imageof said sporting event.
 18. The computer program product as recited inclaim 16, wherein said code for adding said graphical aura furthercomprises code for: adding a graphical player trail to said real-timegraphical image displayed on said playing surface during said sportingevent in response to said player moving with respect to said playingsurface, wherein said graphical player trail comprises a graphicalindication of at least one previous location of said player and acurrent location of said player; modifying said aura to include one ormore pre-defined custom attributes in response to a determination thatsaid player corresponds to said one or more pre-defined customattributes; changing a visual appearance of said aura in response tosaid player committing a penalty; changing said visual appearance ofsaid aura in response to one or more opposing players no longer beingeligible to interact with said player; and changing said visualappearance of said aura in response to one or more real-time statisticalperformance levels of said player exceeding one or more pre-definedperformance levels.